Signification
To talk too much or gossip.
Contexte culturel
In small Serbian communities, 'dugačak jezik' is a serious social label. It can lead to a person being excluded from private gatherings. In Montenegro, where 'čojstvo' (humanity/honor) is highly valued, having a 'long tongue' is seen as a lack of manhood or character. In the city, it's often used more lightly to describe 'drama queens' or people who post too much on social media. Historically, women were more often accused of having a 'long tongue', though today the phrase is gender-neutral.
Use with 'Pazi'
It's very common to pair this with 'Pazi' (Watch out). 'Pazi, on ima dugačak jezik!'
It's an insult
Be careful! Calling someone this to their face is a direct insult. Use it when talking *about* someone.
Signification
To talk too much or gossip.
Use with 'Pazi'
It's very common to pair this with 'Pazi' (Watch out). 'Pazi, on ima dugačak jezik!'
It's an insult
Be careful! Calling someone this to their face is a direct insult. Use it when talking *about* someone.
The 'Cow's Tail' version
If you want to sound like a native, use 'dugačak jezik kao krava rep' for someone who is a massive gossip.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Pazi šta pričaš pred njom, ona ima dugačak _______.
The idiom is 'dugačak jezik' (long tongue).
What does it mean if someone has a 'dugačak jezik'?
Marko ima dugačak jezik.
The figurative meaning is about gossiping.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Da li da kažem Milici za tvoj novi posao? B: Ne, nikako! Ona _______.
We use 'ima' (has) + 'dugačak jezik'.
Match the situation to the correct response.
A child is talking back rudely to their mother.
'Skrati taj dugačak jezik' is used for talking back.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPazi šta pričaš pred njom, ona ima dugačak _______.
The idiom is 'dugačak jezik' (long tongue).
Marko ima dugačak jezik.
The figurative meaning is about gossiping.
A: Da li da kažem Milici za tvoj novi posao? B: Ne, nikako! Ona _______.
We use 'ima' (has) + 'dugačak jezik'.
A child is talking back rudely to their mother.
'Skrati taj dugačak jezik' is used for talking back.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo. For that, you would say 'On govori mnogo jezika' or 'On je poliglota'.
No, it is gender-neutral. Men can have a 'dugačak jezik' too.
You can say 'Nemoj imati dugačak jezik' or 'Nemoj da tračariš'.
Not really. Having a 'long tongue' is almost always seen as a negative trait in Serbian.
Yes, but it usually means they are talking back to you or being sassy, not just being cute and talkative.
Expressions liées
Brz na jeziku
similarQuick-witted or sharp-tongued.
Pustiti jezik
builds onTo start talking a lot (often after being quiet).
Zavezati jezik
contrastTo tie one's tongue / to be silent.
Oštar jezik
similarSharp tongue.
